The demand for places in Dr Barnardos homes grew as did the need to raise money to support them. This led Thomas Barnardo to look to the public for support.

In 1867 the first of thousands of donations was sent from New Zealand. However, in the 1960s, it was realised that New Zealand children also had needs that were not adequately being met.

The first Barnardos New Zealand programme began in 1972. Today it is an independent organisation that provides many different services to children and their families throughout the country. Continuing in the tradition of Thomas Barnardo, Barnardos aims to ensure that all children get the very best start to life.

In the past 30 years Barnardos has developed services to become one of the countries leading child and family welfare agencies. We are also the largest and most experienced provider of quality educational childcare services, providing thousands of New Zealand children with the best in care and education every year.

Dr. Thomas John Barnardo was what we might now call an extraordinary 'social entrepreneur'. But who was he and what did he achieve? He was well known for his homes and training schemes, but what was his contribution to the development of youth work and social work practice? read more.

Barnardos around the world and How Barnardos began are two free study sheets, email us for your copies.